Exchange Club of Steele County

10/23/2026

Owatonna city voters on Tuesday, Nov. 3, will decide on a bonding question for financing the construction of a new police station and fire station. If approved by voters, the projects would be financed through bonds supported by a property tax levy beginning in 2027 and expiring after about 20 years. Fire Equipment Operator Charlie Seykora (standing) was among city and department officials who spoke to the Exchange Club of Steele County Friday, Oct. 16, at The Exchange Club Center for Family Unity office in Owatonna. The other guest speakers included (left to right closest to the wall with the flag and banners) Fleet & Facilities Director Patrick McDermott, Fire Chief Steve Baker, Fire Equipment Operator Leila Kath, and Police Chief Josh Sorensen. For more information, visit YourProtectionOurPriority.org.

10/20/2026

The Exchange Club of Steele County presented The Exchange Club Center for Family Unity with a $3,306.30 check during their meeting Friday, Oct. 16, from funds raised working at the parking gates during this year's Steele County Free Fair. Making the presentation was Club President Randy Sobrack to Center Executive Director Beth Hortop (pictured left). The Center provides parent mentoring and supervised visitation services in their effort to prevent child abuse.

09/18/2026

Steele County Times Community Outreach Coordinator Debra Gnemi (pictured right of the podium) was the guest speaker at the Exchange Club of Steele County meeting Friday morning, Sept. 18, at The Exchange Club Center for Family Unity office in Owatonna. Gnemi reported on the Times partnership with Report Local, a nonprofit that helps communities protect local news. Funds raised go directly to help offset the costs of reporters writing those local stories.

08/27/2026

The Exchange Club of Steele County is among the local Exchange clubs hosting a Field of Honor at the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport, 3400 W. Frontage Rd, Owatonna. Volunteers are needed to prepare 1,000 flags for display, Sept. 11-13. To sign up, utilize the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44A4AA29A6FCC52-64764439-exchange

07/21/2026

The Exchange Club of Steele County is collaborating with other Owatonna area Exchange clubs with a Field of Honor flag display, Sept. 11-13, at the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport. See the news release below:

From: Healing Field® Foundation
Re: Field of Honor® in Owatonna, Minnesota

The Exchange Club of Medford, Moonlighters Exchange Club of Owatonna, Exchange Club of Owatonna, and Exchange Club of Steele County are honoring local area heroes who have made a difference in lives with the presentation of the Field of Honor, a temporary display, Sept. 11-13, featuring 1,000 American flags at the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport.

The flags will stand proudly on 7 ½-foot white flagstaffs across the grounds of the airport, 3400 W. Frontage Road, Owatonna, creating a moving and inspiring display of red, white, and blue. The event’s theme is “One Nation, Many Stories. United we WILL stand.”

The Field of Honor is a powerful tribute to all heroes in our lives throughout our nation’s 250-year history.

Each flag represents a life of service and a story worth remembering. Walking among the rows of waving flags is a place for reflection, gratitude, and unity for a community to come together to honor those who have served.

This special display also commemorates the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 and celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary, making this year’s Field of Honor especially meaningful. A dedication ceremony will be conducted at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Owatonna Degner Regional Airport.

The Field of Honor is free and open to the public, welcoming visitors of all ages to experience a stunning and powerful patriotic display; honor veterans, active-duty service members, and personal heroes; reflect on the legacy of 9/11 and those who protect our freedoms and share a meaningful community moment with family and friends.

To order a flag, make a donation, become an event sponsor, or volunteer, please visit https://healingfield.org/owatonna.

This inspiring community tribute is made possible by the Exchange clubs of Medford, Moonlighters, Owatonna, and Steele County, along with generous sponsors, donors, and dedicated volunteers. We look forward to seeing you there.
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Owatonna, MN ~ Field of Honor® 2026 September 11–September 13 Owatonna Degner Regional Airport 3400 W. Frontage Road This summer, our community will come together for a powerful and patriotic tribute as United States flags stand tall on 7½-foot white flagstaffs across the grounds of The Owatonna...

07/17/2026

Owatonna Foundation Executive Committee President Dave Ramsey was the guest speaker Friday morning, July 17, at the Exchange Club of Steele County meeting held at The Exchange Club Center for Family Unity office in Owatonna. Ramsey shared the Foundation since 1958 has awarded over $14 million in grants and over $750,000 in scholarships. He also answered questions from Club members...very informative:)

07/07/2026

The Exchange Club of Steele County conducted two check presentations during their regular meeting Friday, July 3. Club President Randy Sobrack is pictured with The Exchange Club Center for Family Unity Executive Director Beth Hortop (pictured left) in presenting a $2,000 check to the Center and reaching $10,000 in donations to the Center during the 2025-26 Exchange year. The second presentation was to Community Pathways for $500 with the check presented to Executive Director Dom Korbel.

06/25/2026

School, church, or community groups seeking to raise funds for their respective program are encouraged to email Randy at [email protected] for an invitation to sign up for working the parking gates on the Steele County Fairgrounds during the 2026 fair, Aug. 18-23. The shifts are 8:15 a.m. to noon, noon to 3:45 p.m., and 3:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Earnings are based on the percentage of hours worked for the total hours needed to staff the gates. Last year, groups collectively earned $9,200, so if your group worked 10% of the hours needed to staff the gates, your group would have earned $920. Please see the graphic for minimum age requirements.

06/22/2026

Exchange Club of Steele County President-Elect Randy Sobrack managed to take a selfie prior to handing out American flags for the Exchange project, Give-A-Kid-A-Flag-To-Wave, with fellow Exchange club members from Medford, Owatonna, and the Moonlighters during the Medford Straight River Days Parade Friday, June 19.

06/16/2026

The Exchange Club of Steele County has been enjoying the visits of students sharing their perspective and experiences. Medford 2026 High School Senior Aleah Vogt of Faribault received an American flag, May 15, from Club President-Elect Randy Sobrack (standing) following her reading of the essay she wrote for Exchange's Youth of the Year contest. The Club is supporting her postsecondary education with a $1,000 scholarship. Lexi Steckelberg of Blooming Prairie, and a graduate of South Dakota State University, made a presentation to the Club, June 5, regarding her college program visit to Vietnam. Lexi is also a former Youth of the Year recipient of the Exchange Club of Steele County.